Patient access associate vs patient service representative

The differences between patient access associates and patient service representatives can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a patient access associate and a patient service representative. Additionally, a patient access associate has an average salary of $35,388, which is higher than the $32,476 average annual salary of a patient service representative.

The top three skills for a patient access associate include patients, customer service and insurance verification. The most important skills for a patient service representative are patients, customer service, and excellent interpersonal.

Patient access associate vs patient service representative overview

	Patient Access Associate	Patient Service Representative
Yearly salary	$35,388	$32,476
Hourly rate	$17.01	$15.61
Growth rate	-4%	-4%
Number of jobs	85,997	165,920
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 40%	Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	4	4

What does a patient access associate do?

A patient access associate serves as a patient's primary point of contact in a physician's office or medical facility. Their responsibilities include greeting and checking in patients, gathering patient data, collecting billing information and medical history, and providing assistance in filling-up forms and necessary documents. They may also address and answer patient inquiries, explaining the protocols and other information as needed. Furthermore, as a patient access associate, it is essential to perform administrative tasks such as keeping records and updating databases, all while maintaining an active communication line with nurses and physicians.

What does a patient service representative do?

A Patient Service Representative is responsible for coordinating with patients, ensuring accuracy and satisfaction at all times. The duties of a Patient Service Representative revolves around greeting and responding to patients, offering assistance in documentation, gathering and maintaining their personal information, and even communicating with the family or guardian. They also have to collect payments and process insurance details, obtain medical history, and even keep the patients updated in various aspects. Aside from this, it is crucial for a Representative coordinate with supervisors or personnel in-charge at all times.

Patient access associate vs patient service representative salary

Patient access associates and patient service representatives have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Patient Access Associate	Patient Service Representative
Average salary	$35,388	$32,476
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $51,000	Between $27,000 And $38,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	Seattle, WA
Highest paying state	New York	Vermont
Best paying company	Raymond James Financial	University of California, Berkeley
Best paying industry	Hospitality	Health Care

Differences between patient access associate and patient service representative education

There are a few differences between a patient access associate and a patient service representative in terms of educational background:

	Patient Access Associate	Patient Service Representative
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 40%	Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	University of Pennsylvania

Patient access associate vs patient service representative demographics

Here are the differences between patient access associates' and patient service representatives' demographics:

	Patient Access Associate	Patient Service Representative
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 13.6% Female, 86.4%	Male, 11.9% Female, 88.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 12.6% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 21.7% Asian, 6.0% White, 54.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%	Black or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 21.5% Asian, 6.3% White, 55.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	7%	7%

Differences between patient access associate and patient service representative duties and responsibilities

Patient access associate example responsibilities.

Use EMR software to manage patient records and files; reinforce and uphold patient confidentiality as required by HIPPA and clinic.
Coordinate scheduling, cross-checking, billing, explaining HIPAA, and care savings programs to patients.
Register patients for outpatient laboratory and/or radiology services.
Collect and update demographic and insurance information from emergency room and labor and delivery patients for registration and/or admissions.
Interview patients and ensure accuracy of all information necessary, including demographic information, insurance verification, and insurance authorizations.
Follow EMTALA, HIPAA, payer and other applicable regulations and standards for registration.

Patient service representative example responsibilities.

Manage the daily release of charges to A/R.
Adhere with all state and federal regulations such as EMTALA and HIPPA requirements and appropriately collect co-payments and deductibles from patients.
Provide caring and compassion to elderly and developmentally disable patients.
Demonstrate respect, compassion and confidentiality for patients and family members.
Provide professional and accurate service to schedule patient appointments, check-in and verify insurance eligibility.
Provide quality customer service to patients and observe all protocols regarding HIPPA regulations to ensure patient confidentiality.

Patient access associate vs patient service representative skills

Common patient access associate skills

Patients, 23%
Customer Service, 15%
Insurance Verification, 8%
Medical Terminology, 8%
Patient Care, 5%
Insurance Coverage, 4%

Common patient service representative skills

Patients, 20%
Customer Service, 12%
Excellent Interpersonal, 7%
Check-In, 7%
Patient Service, 6%
Excellent Organizational, 6%

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Office and Administrative Industry
Patient Access Associate
Patient Access Associate vs Patient Service Representative

Updated January 8, 2025

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